LOGAN — For the first time since being given a maximum sentence for trying to kill Deserae Turner, Colter D. Peterson returned to the same courtroom as attorneys discussed how the former 19-year-old Smithfield man can begin paying restitution to the victim and her family.

Peterson, who is now serving the 15-years-to-life sentence in prison, appeared in 1st District Court Wednesday morning for the restitution hearing. He wore shackles and handcuffs while standing next to his public defender, Mike McGinnis, and two prison transport guards.

Judge Kevin Allen met briefly with attorneys for both sides in his chambers. He later explained that the hearing was being held to determine what could be done with $877 Peterson had accrued while serving in a juvenile detention center before he turned 18 and was transferred to prison.

McGinnis said they were in agreement that the money can be given to Turner and her family, who have amounted thousands of dollars in medical costs. The restitution is supposed to be shared with co-defendant Jayzon Decker, who was given the same maximum sentence.

Peterson spoke only briefly during Wednesday’s court appearance. He said he was doing good considering his circumstances, when Judge Allen asked him how he was doing.

In 2017, Peterson shot Turner in the back of the head with a .22 caliber revolver, while Decker acted as lookout. The defendants concocted the plan to kill her while playing video games and discussing their desire to “get rid” of her. They later lured her to a dry canal behind Sky View High School in Smithfield.

Turner was found with a gunshot wound to the head early in the morning of February 17, and had been left in the dry canal bed to die. She was hospitalized for over two-months and suffers from long-term physical disabilities from the shooting.

5 Comments

Oh my goodness wouldn’t it just be a given that she gets the money seriously but I could see that it’s a insult to the family. Make those 2 conniving brats work while in prison and get 50% of what they make and believe me it’s hardly nothing. But it would be less for them to spend

That’s a insult to her as far as I’m concerned. I hope him and his family have to help with her medical bills. She’s a very strong girl and a inspiration to all of us. Wishing you nothing but the best 💜❤️💜❤️

I could give a damn how he is doing, what I am concerned about what exactly is he doing to pay for the medical bills for the girl he decided to be a chicken s–t and shoot her in the back of the head. As far as I am concerned, this person belongs nowhere on this earth! Put him in general population!